Improved ventilation in premature babies after transcatheter versus surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus

Aims Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is common in preterm infants and can contribute to morbidity and mortality. We aimed to compare results and outcome of transcatheter closure using the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder versus surgical closure in 2 matched groups of preterm infants weighing Methods and results A total of 147 babies from three tertiary centres were retrospectively analysed. Sixty-four babies undergoing catheter closure were compared with 83 matched surgical cases. Patent ductus arteriosus closure was successful in all cases. During neonatal unit course, mortality was 6.3% (n = 4) after catheterization and 12% (n = 10) after surgery (p = 0.24). Median duration of mechanical ventilation was shorter after catheterisation than after surgery (3 vs 5 days, p = 0.035). Before 4 weeks of age the difference between transcatheter and surgical closure for mechanical ventilation was even more pronounced (3 vs 9 days, p = 0.022). Additionally, when catheterisation was performed before 4 weeks, babies were discharged home earlier as compared to those who underwent closure later in life (39+1 vs. 42+1 weeks, p = 0.021). Such difference was not found in the surgical group. Conclusions Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus is safe, effective and is associated with shorter mechanical ventilation than after surgery. Hospital stay might be shorter when performed earlier in life.